Scotch and Sirens - Lizzy and Darcy - Scotch and Sirens

“Good news, Darcy!” Brougham said, as he managed to throw himself into his favourite chair in front of the roaring fire after a most satisfying and hearty dinner. He lifted his glass of brandy and smiled. “Remember that librarian I spoke of employing, the one who was to sort out this mess that is my library you keep complaining about? Well, I have engaged one! And an assistant. Although, strictly speaking the assistant does not know about it yet, but I am convinced he will be thrilled. And the best part in all of this is – and why I feel so particularly smug – is that I have managed to help an opinionated old lady and her daughter without their pride suffering one bit, and do good for a local family whose sheep stray onto my lands, all in one very self-serving way. Clever, eh?”

Darcy turned to Brougham with a questioning look. “Indeed, Brougham, quite clever of you. Was the picnic today so fruitful?”

“It was indeed! I have seldom accomplished so much in such agreeable circumstances: poetry, business, communing with nature, exquisite as well as challenging company and – you will be glad to know – a contrite apology fully accepted by way of confession of thankfulness for clandestine services rendered.” He laughed. “Oh, I enjoyed myself immensely. Did you not?”

“I did enjoy myself like never before,” Darcy said, smiling slightly at the recollection of Elizabeth in his arms.

“Do I take it then, Brougham, that Miss Tournier has reconsidered her opinion of you and is now ready to acknowledge the knight in shining armour that you are?”

“Well now, this will make you laugh! Besides being very gracious and accepting my apology for my interference and even admitting my valet had contributed to her safety, she agreed that I might be a decent employer and is willing to provide her services!” He laughed but then sank into a thoughtful mood. “No doubt I have banished peace and quiet from Clyne for a good while, but I dare say both the collection and you will benefit.”

Darcy paid his friend a curious look. “One would think that your collection is a mere excuse, is it not, Brougham? And myself? How so?”

“Oh, do not pretend, Darcy! I know that you were all anxious about my offending your beloved’s family. Now all is solved, and you can be proud of me,” he grinned and settled down to his brandy.

“I cannot deny I will profit by this arrangement as well, but of course the proposal came upon me as a result of her need rather than mine. She let it slip that the trip was not as profitable as she had hoped, and I recollected your telling me that she recently lost her job. I think she and her mother will need the money, Darcy. Suffice it to say, her pride is intact, and I will be rid of your constant nagging. All in all a very satisfying end to several problems, I would say.”

Darcy smirked, “Indeed, I am glad to hear that you engaged yourself in the arrangement to please me. However, I presume you will not wish for my attention and advice during the proceedings.”

“Certainly not. Actually, I hope to vacate the premises as well. I do not think one day spent in considerable agreement is enough to assure me there is no danger of the verbal fencing ensuing again.”

“Verbal fencing? I would never use that term to describe Miss Tournier’s style of conversation. I would rather say that she throws cannon shots. Well, it would certainly serve to improve your reflexes.”

Brougham raised his glass in an inviting gesture. “Enough talk of jousting and mortar fire. I would much rather hear how you got on with Miss Bennet? That Monsieur Vian is a curious fellow. If I did not know better I would say he is trying to make himself eligible to two women at once. I know you do not find him worth his salt, and even though I suppose you have very personal reasons to feel as you do, I cannot help but think you are on to something more general in his character. I wonder what his real purpose in visiting is.”

“Monsieur Vian! Oh, the man is quite irritating, is he not? And highly irresponsible, which I am afraid can cause much more harm than whatever intentions he may have.”

Darcy stopped for a moment to recollect all of the remarks he had heard about the gentleman and compared them to his own observations.

“I certainly think he is much more clever than he wants us to think. His numerous mistakes seem to be rather an effect of a scheme. His sport skills are the best evidence of his real talents. He is very sure of himself, of that I am certain, although I cannot say the same thing about his intentions. It seemed to me, from something he had said during the hunting, that he had some serious plans towards Miss Tournier. However, he pays Elizabeth far too much attention. Perhaps I am biased here, but I think he actually favours her. No matter how dishonest his intentions are at this point, even he cannot expect to lure one lady and marry the other.”

Darcy’s reflections concerning Monsieur Vian caused Brougham to develop a serious frown on his face. However, at the use of Miss Bennet’s Christian name, he smiled.

“I see you get on well then with Miss Bennet. May one enquire just how well?”

Darcy sent Brougham a distracted look.

“I may be of use to her, and that gives me comfort.”

“Ah, yes!” Brougham said in a sugary tone of voice. “Just what every intelligent, sensible and feeling woman needs – a useful man! How lucky that you, as an intelligent, established, handsome and wealthy man, would be in such need of that most desirable gift a woman could bestow – comfort! That makes me easy and happy for you, indeed.”

“And who is saying that?!” Darcy sighed deeply, closing his eyes for a moment.

“Brougham, what is your game now?”

Brougham glanced at his friend and noticed the lines on his face and that he was looking drawn.

“Nothing,” he muttered. “Nothing at all. Forget about it. Of no consequence whatsoever.

“Only… I keep thinking of these lines by Burns. Have done so since this afternoon…

Your friendship much can make me blest,
O why that bliss destroy!
Why urge the only, one request
You know I will deny!

Your thought, if Love must harbour there,
Conceal it in that thought;
Nor cause me from my bosom tear
The very friend I sought.”

Brougham’s declamation drove Darcy into irritation.

“Brougham, you astonish me. Please, spare me your wisdom when it is not asked for.”

Brougham shrugged, “I just quoted some poetry. Nice verse. Not one of Burns’ best, but quite poignant. Why, does it trouble you?”

“Brougham, do not play the innocent with me. Please, do not make me regret my trust.”

“Regret your trust? Your trust in that your interests are close to my heart? Oh, never doubt your trust in me! That is quite unnecessary. But for being such a great advocate of truth and eschewer of disguise, you take remarkably ill to honesty and frankness in others.”

“My trust in your ability to respect my wishes.” Darcy sputtered.

“If there is one thing I do well, it is shake your trust in your own hard principles and convictions. Sometimes I merely tease, and I am quite aware that you are unshakable. Sometimes I nag away, and sometimes I challenge. Mostly I just wish you would be kinder to yourself and trust your instincts. I mean it, Darcy, to follow your instincts is not necessarily the same as giving in to temptation or losing your code. It can be the nagging voice of truth reaching through.”

“Yes, I can see you are very pleased with yourself! I congratulate you on the great source of amusement you have found for yourself! The unending object to practice your tactics on!”

Darcy’s anger grew. He abandoned his chair and started to pace the room nervously.

“You want me to trust my instincts? Really? How so, if you do not give them any trust. I made a decision that you cannot respect. You think you know better. You think you know everything there is to me, to her, my thoughts, her words, my feelings. You think you know them all just because you had already formed some notions of your own after only your first or second meeting with the lady. You deem yourself privy to some knowledge that must be completely obscure to me.”

Darcy stopped, took several deep breaths and lowered his voice.

“The last time we touched on this subject you advised me to propose. I think you will be happy to know then that I heeded your council and renewed my offer. The offer was declined, as I am sure you could easily guess from how things are between her and me, if you were at least a bit less pleased with yourself. I will also add that I do not regret your having drawn me into this particular confession, I rather wish I had never told you anything at all, and I congratulate you because I must admit I was mistaken in my judgement when I decided on the step. I cannot take it back, but will ask you now to avoid any future attempts at sharing your wisdom with me.”

Brougham stared at his friend. Darcy’s tone of voice was acid, even bitter. At the same time betraying despair, and Brougham felt he had overstepped the line and was at fault.

“Darcy,” he said in a quiet voice. “I ask your forgiveness. My perceived advocacy of your happiness and interests have infringed on your feelings and integrity. I am sorry. It was wrong of me. The road to hell is paved with good intentions and I am responsible for laying quite a few bricks on your path. I will not mention it again.”

Darcy seemed to calm down a little, but he still viewed Brougham with dark eyes.

“Darcy, I seem to have been guilty of wishing the world were simpler than it is. I have, perhaps, been sentimental in my wishes and hopes for you. That is selfish and unkind. I wish you nothing but happiness, I hope you know that for all my silliness and thoughtlessness.”

“Brougham, yes, I do. Your intentions have been perfectly clear all along. But I really wish you could see that your wishful thinking does not change the world and certainly does not bring any help to me.”

Darcy looked at his friend and added in a much calmer voice, “If you do not mind, I will leave you now. It has been a long day.”

Darcy closed the door from the other side and sighed deeply. The rambling of his friend was the last thing he had wished for. There were many things concerning Elizabeth, which should be given further thought, and he did not welcome anything that would obscure his view. Brougham did not even suspect how little he was privy to, and thus his opinions could have no more merit than a blind shot, yet what Darcy needed was a clear mind and true aim.

Vian woke up early the next morning and took a lonely stroll. For once he needed to be alone and analyse the situation. He had planned to woo Miss Bennet as soon as he saw her. True, he had thought at first he would move his attention from her to Miss Tournier as soon as the latter one returned, but he knew all too well now that it was not possible. While he had planned that Miss Bennet would have been just a pleasant adventure that would be all the more diverting because of the ever-competing Darcy, she had begun to haunt his thoughts and desires. He wished to be in her company, to see her happy, to humour her, and moreover, the sight of her in Darcy’s arms caused him to experience highly unpleasant feelings of jealousy. Quite a new experience for him, and he certainly did not wish to have it repeated.

He slowly paced along the path leading to Rosefarm Cottage. There in the parlour he spotted his aunt immersed in her books. He approached her and quietly sat beside her. She paid him a distracted and seemingly unpleasant look, but he was too sad and determined to be discouraged so easily. He took her hand in his.

“Ma Tantine, may I ask for advice?” He looked at her expectantly and proceeded after she nodded her head. He inhaled deeply, and then asked, “How does a man please a woman who is really worth pleasing?”

She gave him a penetrating look and put down her book.

“Why, Monsieur, can it be that this particular secret is still unknown to you? I confess you surprise me. Are you telling me you have thus far only pleased a woman to be pleased with yourself? Mais ça, enfin!”

Vian smiled sheepishly, “Mais non, indeed, I have not. But still, it always used to be an easy task. That a woman who wishes to be pleased already expects it and welcomes it is not a real secret to myself. However, as much as I am ashamed to admit it, it seems I find myself at a loss when it comes to a more demanding lady.”

“Well, Monsieur, of course one must first know the lady to know her pleasures. Do you? And, more to the point, do I?”

Vian was taken aback. How could he have ever assumed his aunt would not enquire as to the identity of the lady.

“Why, of course I do not know her as well as I would wish, and, yes, you do know her.”

“Well, in that case I can only deduct that my niece or my daughter has accomplished this ambition in you, and that, my dear Monsieur, means you will have to work harder than you think!”

She laughed and patted his hand.

“They are sensible girls, both of them, except in their sillier moments, of which I am glad to say there are not that many, but they are not without their romantic sensibilities you know. Romantic and proud,” she said and shot him a sly look, “A very tricky combination.”

“Yes, I can see that. You know of course that I would not ask your advice if your own daughter were involved. I… I would probably ask no advice at all if not for one reason. Pray, tell me how my Godfather conquered such a demanding heart as yours?”

“He read my heart and my mind and matched my desires. And let me do the same to him.”

Vian smiled seeing his aunt’s dreaming eyes.

“Well, it was probably foolish of me to think there was a simple solution. I did not really think there was one, but feeling at a loss I thought I might give it a try. I thought that perhaps you knew her much better than I do, and combining your knowledge with your excellent judgement…”

His aunt sighed.

“Maurice, actually I think there is one very practical hint I may offer you. You seem to be very easy in the company of ladies. You are a good observant and you already know how to humour them and how to please. But what you need now is so much more. Do not look for brief pleasure when your life is at stake, do not struggle for one smile, leave immediate gratification out of your dealings. You know what ladies want to hear, but now you have to learn to listen, to know what the lady needs to hear. Do not take hasty steps. Open yourself up to her and wait. She will meet you half way.

Vian smiled broadly and kissed his aunt’s hand, “Merçi, Ma Tantine, I will try to make good use of your advice.”

He then went to the breakfast parlour to see if Miss Bennet had already come down. He was just pouring himself a cup of coffee when she joined him.

“Miss Bennet, good morning. May I pour a cup for you?”

She smiled at his gesture and accepted gratefully. She made herself a plate and took a seat where he had placed her coffee and was waiting to move the chair in for her. He sat down next to her with a cup of his own.

“Have you just come down, Monsieur Vian, or have you been up for a while?”

He smiled back. “I was thinking about taking a morning stroll, but I thought I would rather have my breakfast first and join you in yours later. That is if you do not mind, of course.”

“Of course I do not mind. Your company is always welcome. Besides, we cannot have you sitting about idle and bored. You and I shall find a new path to walk today that neither of us has tread before. Does that sound appealing?”

“Oh yes, very much so.”

As soon as they had finished their breakfast, the couple went walking. Vian was silent for some time while wondering how to best approach the disturbing subject he had in his mind. Finally he looked at Miss Bennet and smiled shyly.

“Miss Bennet, I would like to apologise for any discomfort I might have caused you yesterday. I should have been wiser than ever putting you in any danger. However, I would like to assure you that even if Mr. Darcy had not been present there was nothing to be afraid of. I would never have allowed any harm to come to you.”

He glanced at her and added in a low voice, “I truly wished to humour you. Your mind seems so curious of new experiences. I had hoped you would appreciate such a surprise.”

Lizzy looked up from the path at his earnest words. She had only spent time thinking of her moments with Mr. Darcy at the picnic and not how she had gotten into the predicament to begin with. She realised now, looking back, that she had no regrets about it at all and felt badly that he would blame himself or worry that he had offended her.

“There is no need for an apology, I assure you. There was no way you could have known that the river would swell and send more water our way,” she looked at him reassuringly. “I must confess that I was very taken with seeing a waterfall from the other side, and I would never have experienced such a sight had you not chosen to share it with me. I thank you very much for that.”

Her reassurance made Vian smile a bit bolder.

“I thank you, Miss Bennet. It is very good to know that you enjoyed it. Pray, tell me, what else would you like to see?”

She laughed at his question. “Why, Monsieur Vian, your enquiry is so broad that I know not how to answer it. I am sure there are many things I would like to see that I do not even know about. Yesterday is a perfect example of that. The mere idea of seeing the backside of a waterfall had never occurred to me. So you see, I would have missed such an experience as that just for lack of knowledge about it. Tell me, what things would you show me if you could show me anything?”

“There are many things I would like to show you. There are many exotic places all over the world. However I would have to know you better to learn your preferences. I would hate to disappoint. Would, for example, the pyramids in Egypt satisfy your tastes? Or maybe you would prefer to see the leaning tower of Pisa? Or… the canals of Venice would be more to your liking?”

“Well then I think I would confound you very much if you would expect me to prefer one thing over another. I would wish to see them all and more. How confusing it would be for you! I fit no particular type that you seem to be looking for in your efforts to decide what you would show me.”

“On the contrary, Miss Bennet, not confusing at all. Rather even more challenging, for I shall know that no matter how much you would see, it would never be enough to satisfy your expectations. It would be a grave failure if one day I would not be able to surprise you anymore – a failure that would bring me great dishonour. Thankfully there are enough wonderful things all over the world to keep your interest. All it needs is a gentleman’s unceasing determination to please you.”

“Is that how a man thinks? That he always has to please a woman as if it is a challenge? I would not want any man to think I would be displeased it he did not constantly entertain me at every moment. That would be most difficult to keep up and most unfair. I would hope I am not that demanding.” She laughed. “Would a man expect the same from a woman? I think I would grow tired from all of the effort at being so creative at all times.”

Vian was glad to see that she was willing to talk to him that way. She was always kind and a good converser, but now it had appeared that when he was showing more interest in herself other than trying to impress her, she was more open and active in their chatter.

“Miss Bennet, please, do not read me wrong. All I meant was that pleasing a woman like you must be a pleasure in itself. I would not expect any efforts to be taken by a woman to satisfy me.”

She laughed, “Oh, you say that now, Monsieur, but I think if you were forced to spend very long in the company of one who merely expected you to do it all, you would come to think differently, unless of course you are a man who likes a challenge that is never ending. Then you might be quite happy with the situation.”

“It would depend upon the type of challenge given, would it not? Some challenges are worth any effort one would expend on them, and as to the one we spoke of, the mere company of an engaging woman must be highly rewarding in and of itself.”

“You speak as if you have never been in the company of an engaging woman, Monsieur Vian. Have you not met many such women growing up and during your travels?”

“I have met many charming and kind women. I have also met many cunning and shrewd ones. Silly and wise. But an engaging woman is a real rarity. I think your aunt could serve as a proper example. I imagine she and my Godfather must have formed an exceptional couple. I also remember that she was not so cynical when he was still alive. The best proof that a woman like her should never be alone.”

He smiled knowingly to Lizzy.

Lizzy smiled back. Her aunt's cynicism was the one thing that had made her so notorious in her own family. Mrs. Tournier had no patience for the woman her brother, Lizzy's father, had married, and Mrs. Bennet did not care much for her sister-in-law in return. It did not make for many visits to Longbourn by her aunt when Lizzy was younger. Lizzy always came here and usually alone, as no one else seemed to be able to bear Mrs. Tournier for long. In fact, they were all rather frightened of her for the most part, except for Lizzy who was not easily intimidated.

“I was very young when Mr. Tournier died. I do not remember him at all. I do sometimes wonder what my aunt was like when he was still alive. She has a very sharp and lively mind. I think he must have been very interesting to have captured her heart.”

As they walked farther along, Lizzy listened while he told her some of his memories of the uncle she never knew, and encouraged her to share her memories with him as well. The time was more agreeable to her than most of their previous walks had been, not that the others had been unpleasant in the least, but this time Monsieur Vian seemed more at ease and natural in his conversation. There seemed to be more substance and less flattery and flowery talk that she had always assumed he might think women required. She was sincerely enjoying his company.

Vian was glad to see that he had captured her attention for such a long time, but he was also conscious that his plan had been to listen more and talk less. He strove to change the subject.

“Miss Bennet, pray, what is Mr. Bennet like. Is he similar to his sister?”

Lizzy sighed as she thought about her father. She missed his company and was glad to speak of him.

“My father and his sister would seem worlds apart to a casual observer, but upon closer inspection one would see that they are really very much alike. Where she is outwardly cynical, he is more circumspect about it for the most part, but not always. He uses wit to his advantage in a quieter way than Mrs. Tournier, and it is often at the expense of others who simply do not realise it, just as my aunt uses it. They both love literature, fine conversation, and fine ideas, and both indulge their daughters more than they ought to sometimes. But he is a good man at heart. I love him dearly.”

“Then one can only wonder what kind of people your grandparents were to have produced two children like that.”

They laughed together at the thought, and he offered her his arm when they turned in the direction of the cottage.

They walked the rest of the way back in companionable silence, broken now and then by conversation that was both easy and pleasing to both.

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